Global Combat Air Program unveils new fighter design at Farnborough Airshow

Digital design and evaluation tools have enabled a faster development pace than previously possible, especially in reconfiguring various elements. A joint set of requirements has facilitated this process, with Italian, Japanese, and UK governments adapting national protocols to permit necessary security access.

The aircraft and its systems are designed for full interoperability with allied forces and own-force assets like F-35 and Typhoon. All three nations operate the F-35 and view GCAP as a complementary asset enhancing their existing force mix.

The industrial workshare plan is also nearing completion. Drawing lessons from past multinational programs like Tornado and Typhoon, the GCAP model will likely “look different.” While intended for export sales, additional nations may join without affecting the development timeline.

Since its announcement in December 2022, GCAP has progressed rapidly. The three national industrial leads—BAE Systems, Leonardo, MHI—signed a collaboration agreement in September 2023. In December 2023, governments signed a treaty to deliver a combat aircraft by 2035.

The exact nature of this “in-service date” remains undefined but is assumed to be when aircraft are handed over to air forces for operational preparation. The open-architecture nature of GCAP means that traditional notions of “full operational capability” are obsolete; instead, continuous refinement will occur throughout its service life.

Each participating country is conducting national technology demonstration programs that can contribute technology to GCAP. For instance, the UK’s Future Combat Air System began in 2018 and aims to produce a flying demonstrator by 2027.

For all three participants, GCAP represents a significant strategic program offering operational advantages, technological sovereignty, and potential economic benefits through job creation. Technological advancements in digitization, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity from this program could benefit multiple sectors.